Countless celebrities have dabbled in the tricky transition that is music to film and vice versa. Whether their attempts manifested success or disaster, we have to give them credit for trying.
Plenty of our favorite artists have made movie cameos, but few would go on to become triple threats. Jamie Foxx, Janet Jackson, Tupac and Jennifer Hudson were rarities. Here are some actors and singers who should or shouldn’t have stuck to their original gig.
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1. Nelly
Nelly executed the role of a tatted up prison football player, but we’d much rather have a quick 16.
Photo Credits: Getty Images and IMDb
2. Will Smith
Rapping may have been his first passion, but Will’s turn as The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air was one of the best things that could’ve happened to hip hop. Although his debut album Big Willie Style had some hits, rapping just isn’t his forte. Stick to the films, Big Willie.
3. Ice Cube
Could we still consider Ice Cube a rapper? Music was his first love, but after his critically acclaimed role as “Doughboy” in Boyz in the Hood—his acting career kicked into full gear.
Whitney is hands down one of the best singers ever, but the Bodyguard star was also pretty good as an actress.
5. Common
His good looks make up for his lack of character on screen. He’s just one sexy distraction.
6. Ice-T
He may not be the best actor, but he’s certainly got something that keeps Special Victims Unit fans mesmerized. The rap legend has been starring on the show for eight seasons now.
7. Cassie
The singer made her official debut in Step Up 2: Take it to the Streets as an awkward character with very little dialogue.
8. Beyoncé
Bey’s been trying to win her fans over onscreen for quite some time. Her first role in Carmen: A Hip Hopera wasn’t the most popular, but she soon hit the big screen in hits like Austin Powers: Goldmember, Dreamgirls and Obsession. We love you Bey, but Diana Ross was the best singer/actress to ever do it.
9. Ashanti
Coach Carter was awesome, but Ashanti’s role as “Kyra” was super lame. Better luck next time, girl.
10. Mark Walberg
Mark Walberg–formerly known as Marky Mark– is ranked amongst the best actors in Hollywood, but do you believe that he was once a wannabe emcee? It’s rumored that he’s ashamed of his Funky Bunch days.
11. Bow Wow
Acting might just be Shad’s best bet. The child star fell off after he dropped the “Lil” from his stage name and hasn’t been number one on the charts since.
12. Jennifer Lopez
We love Jenny from the block, but her acting?—Not so much. She has been given ample opportunity to play an unforgettable role, but she has yet to strike her audience. We’ve had enough J. Lo.
13. Queen Latifah
Queen Latifah had the 90’s on smash. She did her thing in Living Single, which is still a black comedy classic and eventually made a smooth transition from U.N.I.T.Y to Set It Off.
14. Nick Cannon
Vixens aren’t the only ones who think all of Nick Cannon’s music sucks. During the all 6 seasons of his show Wild’n Out, his crew always made sure to mention his failed rapping gigs.
15. Drake
Started from the bottom, now he’s here. Drake wins the award of the best actor turned rapper ever.
16. 50 Cent
In a movie about yourself, you would think that 50 could’ve been a bit more realistic. You should’ve just got Michael B. Jordan to play a young Curtis Jackson.
17. Tyrese
Although Baby Boy is certainly a hood classic, Tyrese should just stick to the studio because Biker Boyz was an epic fail.
18. Brandy
Brandy got her start as a singer when she was 15, but soon turned into an actress with her television show Moesha. Considering one of her major roles was in Tyler Perry’s Temptation, you can assume what the better career choice is.
19. Omarion
You Got Served is one of our fondest childhood memories, but Omarion’s semi-serious role did not live up to the standards of the legendary B2K.
20. Cam’ron
Cam’ron played the role of “Rico” in Paid in Full, but there wasn’t much of an ego alteration. We’d much rather watch you rap in pink, Killa.